Two Months of Eye Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview and Concerns

Summary of Symptoms and Questions Over the Past Two Months

Hello, doctor.
I apologize if my post violates any regulations.
These issues have been troubling me for over two months, and I am close to developing anxiety.
Around August 9th, I noticed bleeding in my left eye, so I visited a nearby clinic.
The doctor said it was due to an eyelash irritating my eye, removed it, and prescribed eye drops called Dilan.
After using them for about two weeks, the blood clot subsided, but I developed two large red blood vessels instead.
When I returned to the same clinic, the doctor said it was nothing to worry about and prescribed a B12 supplement called Jianqiao and an artificial tear called Mingyang for fatigue recovery.
After using them for about three weeks, I still felt uneasy, so I went to another clinic for a check-up and a fundus examination.
The examination involved dilating my pupils with drops, and the doctor used a bright light to check my eye movements for any abnormalities in the optic nerve.
The doctor mentioned that my retina was too thin and needed further monitoring (I have high myopia).

I thought that would be the end of it, but it was just the beginning.
The next day, I experienced a lot of floaters, which I had not noticed before—about ten transparent strands floating in both eyes.
Additionally, I have been experiencing significant eye pressure and discomfort.
In the morning, it feels okay, but by the afternoon, it starts to flare up, and during the worst episodes, my eye socket even hurts.
The most swollen times are when I’m in a car or lying down at night, making it hard to sleep (though it doesn’t hurt).
My eyes feel protruded (which is not normal for me) and have a hard texture.
Given my family history of glaucoma, I am quite anxious.
Since the clinics are closed at night, I had to use a family member's glaucoma medication called Shulutong, which provided some relief.
After about two weeks without using Shulutong, I felt uncomfortable and couldn't sleep, so I gradually stopped the medication, but the discomfort persisted.
One night, I saw a flash of white light while trying to sleep, which scared me, leading me to believe I might have a retinal detachment.
The next day, I had a fundus photography done, and thankfully, nothing serious was found (my eye pressure readings were 18 and 19 at that time).
I also explained my eye pressure symptoms to the doctor, who suggested it was likely due to eye strain.
However, during that uncomfortable period, I had already reduced my screen time significantly.

I asked the doctor why I still felt uncomfortable, and he reiterated that it was probably due to eye strain, becoming increasingly impatient with my questions.
As of October, I have improved significantly, but I still occasionally experience swelling, along with new symptoms: tension-type pain in my forehead and brow, and soreness in my cheekbones, although my eyes themselves feel fine.
I'm unsure if this is related to eye pressure, and I occasionally see what I think might be flashes (a ring of white light appearing at the periphery of my vision for about 0.1 seconds).
On the night of October 4th, my left eye suddenly turned completely white for a moment before returning to normal.
The internet is filled with alarming information about eye strokes, and I have many questions, so I apologize in advance.
1.
What is the reliability of measuring eye pressure at home? I found online instructions suggesting to gently touch the eyeball with two fingers; if it feels as soft as lips, the pressure is normal, but if it feels as hard as the tip of the nose, it indicates elevated pressure.
How credible is this method? If it's not reliable, how can I distinguish between simple eye fatigue and genuinely elevated eye pressure, especially when clinics are closed at night?
2.
Is there a connection between the swelling in my eyes and the use of the B12 supplement Jianqiao and the artificial tears Mingyang, which I started using about two weeks before the swelling began?
3.
Is there a correlation between the pain in my cheekbones and forehead tension and eye pressure?
4.
Can acute glaucoma occur without symptoms? I read about someone who suddenly went blind during a meeting due to acute glaucoma.
Is it possible for acute glaucoma to manifest suddenly without prior symptoms?
5.
Can retinal detachment or tears occur suddenly without any vigorous activity or eye injury?
6.
Regarding eyelid thinning: When I close my eyes, I usually see darkness, but now my eyelids seem more translucent to light than before.
Is this normal?
7.
What does it mean if my left eye suddenly turned white for a moment? Is this related to an eye stroke, and how long does sudden blindness last during such an event?
8.
After my fundus examination, I started experiencing floaters, which I had not noticed before.
Can a fundus examination trigger degenerative floaters?
9.
I see a ring of white light at the periphery of my vision for about 0.1 seconds without moving my eyes.
How long do flashes associated with retinal detachment typically last, based on clinical experience?
10.
I noticed pinkish spots on the whites of my eyes.
What could this be, and is it concerning?
11.
What methods can help restore eye pressure if it suddenly increases? I experience swelling when lying down at night, making it difficult for my eyes to rest.
12.
The blood vessels in my left eye have not subsided since August.
What potential side effects could this have?
13.
When my eyes swell, is it a sign of high eye pressure if my eyeballs feel protruded (without pain)?
I apologize for the numerous questions, but I have visited the ophthalmologist many times, and the accumulated consultation fees have become a significant burden, causing distress for my family as well.
Thank you for your understanding.

Chaoji Jiaolv de Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/05

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

1.
The sensation of finger touch cannot accurately perceive intraocular pressure; claims on the internet are nonsense.
We rarely feel discomfort from high intraocular pressure unless there is an acute glaucoma attack, which is when this is possible.
Usually, the sensation of high intraocular pressure is actually just fatigue.

2.
The feeling of eye pressure should not be related to these two eye drops.

3.
The tightness in your forehead is likely unrelated to eye pressure; it is more related to the fatigue of the eyeball.

4.
Acute glaucoma does occur suddenly, but the symptoms are usually very obvious, including eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Therefore, sudden blindness is typically not due to acute glaucoma.

5.
Retinal detachment or tears usually occur suddenly, even without any vigorous movement.

6.
Even with the eyelids closed, there can still be light perception under illumination.

7.
The "eye stroke" you mentioned refers to a moment of complete darkness, not "a burst of light." The thrombus preceding a stroke generally causes complete darkness for several seconds to tens of seconds.

8.
A fundus examination does not induce floaters.

9.
Flashing lights or phosphenes typically last only a moment and do not persist for several seconds.

10.
Please consult an ophthalmologist to determine your condition.

11.
This is usually just eye fatigue; resting is sufficient.

12.
Same as point 10.

13.
Even professional ophthalmologists cannot rely on palpation for examination.
Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/10/05

More Info

Based on your detailed account of the symptoms and experiences over the past two months, it is clear that you are facing a complex situation regarding your eye health. The symptoms you've described, including bleeding in the left eye, the appearance of floaters, eye pressure, and discomfort, suggest a multifaceted issue that may involve several underlying conditions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Initial Bleeding and Red Vessels: The bleeding you experienced could have been due to a minor injury or irritation, such as an eyelash scratching the eye. The subsequent appearance of prominent red vessels is often a sign of irritation or inflammation, which can occur after such an incident. The use of artificial tears was appropriate, but if symptoms persist, further evaluation may be necessary.

2. Floaters: The sudden onset of floaters can be alarming, especially if you have a history of high myopia (nearsightedness). Floaters are often benign but can sometimes indicate more serious conditions like retinal tears or detachments. Given your history of a thin retina, it's crucial to monitor these symptoms closely.

3. Eye Pressure and Discomfort: The sensation of pressure and discomfort, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, may be related to several factors, including eye strain, fatigue, or even elevated intraocular pressure. Your family history of glaucoma adds another layer of concern, as elevated eye pressure can lead to glaucoma if not managed properly.

4. Visual Disturbances: The brief episode of seeing a white flash and the sensation of a "white out" in your left eye could be concerning. These symptoms can sometimes be associated with retinal issues, including retinal detachment or other serious conditions. It's good that you had a follow-up with an eye care professional, but if these symptoms recur, immediate evaluation is warranted.

5. Headaches and Facial Pain: The tension headaches and facial pain you described could be related to eye strain, particularly if you have been using digital devices less frequently but still experience discomfort. This could also be a sign of muscle tension or even sinus issues, which can sometimes mimic eye problems.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Eye Care Professionals: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to continue consultations with both an ophthalmologist and possibly a neurologist. The ophthalmologist can further evaluate your eye health, particularly regarding the floaters and any potential retinal issues. A neurologist may help address the headaches and facial pain, which could be related to tension or other neurological concerns.

2. Monitor Eye Pressure: Self-assessing eye pressure using touch is not reliable. Instead, regular check-ups with an eye care professional who can measure your intraocular pressure accurately are essential. If you have concerns about your eye pressure, discuss them with your ophthalmologist, who may recommend more frequent monitoring.

3. Manage Eye Strain: To alleviate symptoms of eye strain, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Ensure proper lighting when reading or using screens, and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques may help reduce tension-related symptoms.

5. Seek Immediate Care for New Symptoms: If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as sudden vision changes, persistent pain, or significant discomfort, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion
Your situation is understandably distressing, and it’s important to approach it with a comprehensive strategy. Continue to advocate for your health by seeking thorough evaluations and expressing all your symptoms to your healthcare providers. With careful monitoring and appropriate interventions, many of these issues can be managed effectively. Remember, your eye health is vital, and addressing these concerns promptly will help ensure the best outcomes.

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